Court told Mansell's arrest could be invalid

The lawyer for a West Australian murder suspect arrested in north Queensland has questioned the validity of a warrant issued by Perth police.

Cameron Mansell, 38, was detained in bushland near Townsville this morning after a two-week interstate search.

He is wanted for questioning over the murder of Perth millionaire Craig Puddy, whose body has not been found.

An extradition hearing began this afternoon but Roger Griffith, the lawyer representing Mansell, told the Townsville court the warrant was not properly completed by WA police and Mansell should be freed.

Mr Griffith pointed to several blank spaces on the document and explained the paper should be classed invalid.

Mansell fled Western Australia almost two weeks ago just hours before a warrant for his arrest was issued.

He first flew to Adelaide under an assumed name and was traced to his mother's home but disappeared before police could set up surveillance.

A nationwide alert was issued and Mansell was then spotted in Brisbane and Townsville.

He has been arrested in connection with the death of his former business associate.

A large pool of Mr Puddy's blood was found inside his luxury home in the Perth suburb of Mount Pleasant but his body is yet to be found.

A burnt-out vehicle belonging to Mansell was discovered a short time later and he was subsequently taken in for questioning but initially released without charge.

Detective Inspector Dave Bryson from Major Crime in Perth says police have enough evidence to charge Mansell despite the fact they are yet to find Mr Puddy's body.

"Obviously the main concern now is to locate Mr Puddy's body and hopefully when we speak to Mr Mansell when we get him back to WA he may be able to shed some light on that," he said.

Police say they are trying to determine if anyone assisted him while he was on the run.